Joel Guinto

A Singapore court fined French student Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien S$600 after he pleaded guilty to licking a straw from an iJooz orange juice vending machine and returning it to the dispenser. He posted the stunt on Instagram, prompting public disgust and widespread attention. iJooz replaced all 500 straws in the machine, while Maximilien’s lawyer said he was truly sorry and understood the consequences of his actions.

Hong Wang and Yu Deng became the first Chinese citizens to receive Fields Medals, sharing the 2026 awards with John Pardon and Jacon Tsimerman. Wang was honored with collaborator Josh Zahl for resolving a version of the century-old Kakeya conjecture, while Deng was recognized for work addressing Hilbert’s sixth problem through the study of gases. Wang, who teaches in the United States and France, also became only the third woman to win the prize. Their achievement prompted extensive celebration in China and renewed attention to the country’s growing role in advanced mathematics.

Hong Wang and Yu Deng have become the first Chinese mathematicians to win Fields Medals, sharing the honor with John Pardon of the United States and Jacob Tsimerman of Canada. Wang was recognized for work on the Kakeya conjecture and is only the third woman to receive the award, while Deng was honored for solving a problem related to Hilbert’s Sixth Problem and the behavior of gases. Their achievement has generated widespread pride and attention in China, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in mathematical research.

An impeachment trial has begun against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces allegations of misusing public funds and threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, jeopardizing her potential 2028 presidential run. The Senate, divided between Marcos and Duterte blocs, must reach a two‑thirds vote to convict, amid political instability marked by shifting alliances and recent arrests of Duterte‑allied senators. Prosecutors accuse Duterte of failing to account for millions in education department funds, while her legal team argues the proceedings aim to remove her from office. Heightened tensions surround the trial, with heavy police deployment and nationwide public attention, as ongoing related cases and Senate leadership turmoil intensify the political stakes.

Alex Eala’s advance to the Wimbledon third round, the best Grand Slam run by a Filipino player, has generated nationwide excitement in the Philippines, a country typically focused on boxing and basketball. Support from figures such as Venus Williams and Manny Pacquiao and strong fan engagement have amplified her rise. Eala’s victories, cultural nods, and previous success in major tournaments have boosted tennis’s popularity at home, drawing large crowds at international events and inspiring national pride as she continues her career ascent.

Alexandra Eala reached the third round at Wimbledon, marking the best Grand Slam performance by a Filipino player and sparking nationwide excitement. Support from prominent figures, rising fan engagement, and her growing WTA ranking have boosted tennis’ popularity in the Philippines. Eala’s cultural pride, past victories over top players, and recent successes have intensified public interest, with large crowds gathering at tournaments and enthusiastic Filipino support following her matches.

Indonesia’s former education minister and Gojek co‑founder Nadiem Makarim received a 10‑year prison sentence and substantial restitution over a Chromebook procurement scheme deemed to involve abuse of authority. Judges ruled he created conditions favouring Google in laptop purchases for schools, though they found no evidence he personally enriched himself. Supporters argue the prosecution is politically motivated, reflecting wider fears among young Indonesians about government reprisals. The case coincides with public discontent over rising living costs and growing protests against President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

The Philippines has opened an impeachment trial against Vice‑President Sara Duterte, who faces allegations of corruption and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. A conviction would remove her from office and bar her from running in the 2028 presidential election, where she is seen as the strongest contender. The proceedings intensify the growing feud between the Duterte and Marcos political camps, whose former alliance has collapsed. Prosecutors argue the case aims to hold powerful officials accountable, while the defence claims it is an effort to eliminate Duterte from future political contention. The outcome depends on a closely divided Senate, where shifting alliances and the legal troubles of Duterte‑aligned senators complicate the path to conviction. The trial holds major implications for the balance of power beyond 2028, shaping who will influence the country’s next leadership.